Architects, contractors bridge a gap

On the surface, the construction of the wheelchair ramp looked like a simple charity project by a group of architects and contractors.

But the spring 2005 event was actually part of something more significant – an effort to get two groups of young professionals to communicate and collaborate with each other.
Each has been known to harbor stereotypes about the other: Many contractors think architects are “dreamers”; many architects think contractors care just about the bottom line.

To change those views and build better relationships, the local chapters of the Rhode Island chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Institute of Architects of Rhode Island created the Rhode Island Young Constructors Forum.

The forum brings together new professionals in both fields, looking to expand all parties’ knowledge through site tours of various developments, community projects and better communication.

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The better understanding that can be forged through discussions and educational exercises can then be translated into the field, where contractors and architects feel more comfortable discussing issues arising during a project.

“Then you already have a good relationship to build on,” said Sean Hewett, a project manager at Gilbane Building Co. and president of the forum. “You’re just kind of getting more of an understanding as to why certain things are done.”

Kristine Royal, an architect with Newport Collaborative Architects and chair of the local AIA’s Emerging Professionals Committee, said the collaboration helps both sides see the responsibilities of the other, in a manner they normally wouldn’t.

“It’s across a dividing line that typically isn’t broached within the confines of day-to-day work,” Royal said.

As successful as the idea has been in Rhode Island, it did not germinate locally. The initiative grew out of years of national discussions, between the young professionals’ groups of both the American Institute of Architects and the American General Contractors.
In the fall of 2003, the two groups sponsored a joint “working weekend,” then forged a formal partnership agreement that they signed in January 2004.

In Rhode Island, the pact has led to contractors and architects going together to functions, including Pawtucket Red Sox and Providence Bruins games, seminars, and tours of the Zakim Bridge in Boston and the Peerless Building in downtown Providence.

The contractors and architects have also teamed up for several “Rebuilding Together” projects – to clean up a Providence school, repair an elderly woman’s house and build a wheelchair ramp for a couple with mobility issues.

Royal said the wheelchair ramp project was very helpful in promoting the groups’ goals. It took months of preparation, she said, and allowed each of the disciplines to have their work carried out on a scale where results could be seen.

“There is a learning process for everyone involved,” Royal said. “Because the scale is fairly small, it lets you be exposed to all of the steps.”

The partnership is also collaborating on “Canstruction,” a design/build competition scheduled for November that involves structures made out of canned goods. Once the sculptures are judged and the exhibits are closed, the food will be donated.

Although most group members are younger than 35, the Young Contractors Forum is open to anybody who has been in either field for 10 years or less.

“Anybody that’s interested and new to the industry, we certainly encourage their involvement,” Hewett said.

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